LGBT Center ready for inaugural fundraiser, Pride at the Museum

The LGBT Center at the University of Louisville is launching “Pride at the Museum,” a Nov. 9 party at the Speed Art Museum, to raise money to support students at UofL.

The fundraiser will include entertainment by the Louisville Ballet, Karan Chavis, Louisville Orchestra Conductor Teddy Abrams, All is Fair in Love and Fashion, Keith McGill, DJ S.Y.I.M.O.N.E and drag performers from PLAY Louisville. The event will include food and drink stations, courtesy of Wiltshire Pantry, Heaven Hill and the Mocktail Project. Olio Event Group is planning Pride at the Museum with a focus on celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

Tickets are available for purchase for $133 online. Supporters may also purchase a sponsored ticket, which would allow those otherwise unable to attend to do so.

The event, organized by the LGBT Center, alumni and community supporters, will raise money to support the center and the services it provides to LGBTQ+ students, alumni and community including:

Training for faculty, staff, community partners and others who want to be stronger allies for LGBTQ+ youth

“We are so excited to bring the community together to support our vision for inclusion at UofL and to be partnering with so many incredible community allies,” said Brian Buford, executive director of the LGBT Center. “Guests can expect to have the time of their lives, enjoying the best entertainment our city has to offer at the coolest venue in town. And all to send a message to LGBT students that they can succeed here.”

UofL has been recognized by Campus Pride Index as one of the top LGBTQ-friendly colleges in the nation, receiving 5 out of 5 stars on their index for the last 4 years. UofL also earned a number one ranking by LGBTOutfitters as the best campus for LGBT students in the nation.

Last year, the LGBT Center trained 9,910 people. The center also provides support to students in crisis each week.

Caitlin Brooks is a coordinator of publications and marketing in the University of Louisville’s Office of Communications and Marketing. Brooks joined the Office of Communications and Marketing after earning her Bachelor of Science and Master of Art degrees in Communication from UofL. Brooks previously worked as a graduate assistant and public speaking instructor at UofL and is an avid Disney fan.